Beginning in Revelation
2:1 through 3:22, seven churches are listed. As previously mentioned,
"seven" is the number often used in the Bible to mean "completeness."
There were other churches in Asia; however, these seven appear to have
been selected by the Lord to convey specific information.

Some may say that
each church covers a specific time period, from the beginning of
the church age until the Rapture. Others may say each church represents
the entire time. There is a third opinion that says the church age extends
until Jesus physically returns after the Tribulation. The Scriptures,
however, do not clearly verify which of the first two positions are correct.

After extensive
research, it is believed that both the first and second positions are
correct. The seven churches do, indeed, represent specific time periods,
dating from the beginning of the church age to the Rapture; however, there
are certain elements within each church that can apply, in general, to
all of the churches or times, from the first church through to the Rapture.

Let us remember,
the Word of God is perfect. However, manís research of events, dealing
with Scripture, may not be perfect.

WHAT
EACH CHURCH MAY INCLUDE1705-5A-4

In most of the churches, the following
should be listed:

The name of the church

John told to write

Information about Jesus

Good things about the church
(I know thy works)

Bad things about the church

Warnings about what may happen

What to do, also repent and
exhortation to hold fast

Promises to him that overcometh

Rewards

If any man have ears to hear,
let him hear

Of the seven churches,
four now lie in ruinóEphesus, Pergamos, Sardis, and Laodicea.

THE
FIRST CHURCH: EPHESUS1706
to 1713-5A-4

THE
FIRST CHURCH: EPHESUS(Commentary)1707-5A-4

Ephesus means "desirable."
The city was a large, commercial center on the western coast of Asia Minor,
between Miletus and Smyrna. The Temple of Artemis (called Diana of the
Ephesians), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was there.
In approximately 262, the Goths destroyed the temple and city. The city
never regained its glory or first love. It was later attacked by the Arabs,
Turks, and finally, the Mongols about 1403. Reportedly, the city, today,
is desolate; its seaport is a marsh covered with reeds. It may have had
a population of over one hundred thousand. Ephesus
had heard the Gospel from Timothy-ref 1 Tim 1:3; Tychicus-ref Eph 6:21;
Paul-ref 1 Cor 16:8 and others.

By the time John
had written this letter, the church would have been in the second generation
of believers.

The Apostolic church had left
their first love

The approximate period represented
is from Pentecost to 160 A.D. (the Apostolic age)

Two descriptions of Jesus

Ten good things

One bad thing

Three items of advice on what
to do

Two warnings

One reward

2:1. UNTO
THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH HE THAT HOLDETH
THE SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND, WHO WALKETH IN THE MIDST OF (or among)
THE SEVEN GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS. Ref Rev 1:20.

2:1.
It begins saying,

UNTO THE ANGEL,
which is followed by,

OF THE CHURCH
OFEPHESUS. John
is told to

WRITE;
THESE THINGS SAITH (or are the words of). Next the subject turns
to Jesus. The verse addresses Him as:

DESCRIPTIONS
OF JESUS1708-5A-4

1. HE THATHOLDETH THE SEVEN STARS, which, as we have seen, are the angels
of the seven churches. He is holding them

IN HIS RIGHT
HAND. More information
is given regarding Jesus, as it states,

2. WHO WALKETH
IN THE MIDST OF (or among)

THE SEVEN GOLDENCANDLESTICKS (or in the
midst of the seven churches). These churches belong to Jesus; He purchased
them. He is pictured walking in the midst of them.

2:2.
I KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds), AND THY LABOR (or hard work), AND THY PATIENCE
(or perseverance), AND HOW THOU CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL (or
tolerate wicked men): AND THOU HAST TRIED (or tested) THEM WHICH SAY THEY
ARE APOSTLES, AND ARE NOT, AND HAST FOUND THEM LIARS (or false). Ref Pv
8:13.

2:2.
Begins with a series of words that are repeated in the messages to each
churchó

I KNOW THYWORKS. This is addressed to the church, in general, as well as
the individual. God knows the works of His people, things done both in
the open and in secret.

If number one is included, ten
good things are listed regarding this church.

GOOD
THINGS1709-5A-4

1. I KNOW THY WORKS
(or deeds). They had works for God.

2. AND THY LABOR
(or hard work). This was a hard-working church.

3. AND THY PATIENCE
(or perseverance). This church persevered through their hard labors and
problems.

4. AND HOW THOU
CANST NOT BEAR (or tolerate) THEM WHICH ARE EVIL. This church
could not tolerate evil people as all of us should also be. We should
HATEÖTHE EVIL WAY-ref Pv 8:13.

5. AND THOU
HAST TRIED (or tested)

THEM WHICH
SAY THEYARE APOSTLES,
AND ARENOT, AND HAST FOUND THEM LIARS (or false). Those that
claimed to be apostles were tested by Godís Word and proven to be false.
This church was valiant for the truth and knowledge.

10. BUT THIS
THOU HAST, THAT THOU HATEST THE DEEDS OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH
I ALSO HATE. (Note Rev 2:15.)

The words "labor"
and "labored" are used. The word "patience" is used
twice but in slightly different contexts.

Overall, the church
was complimented for their hard labors, patience, perseverance, testing
of false apostles, and hatred of the deeds of them that were evil.

Paul had ministered
there for many years, about forty or more, before this letter in the Revelation
was sent to them. Both Timothy and John had served there; Aquila, Priscilla,
and Apollos had also worked in this city. The church was well-established
in doctrine. Yet, apparently, the generation of Christians that followed
did not have the same love and zeal of heart for Christ. Paul had warned,
upon his departure, of wolves entering in not sparing the flock. He also
warned of men, from among themselves, speaking perverse things. He told
them, BY THE SPACE OF THREE YEARS I CEASED NOT TO WARN EVERY ONE NIGHT
AND DAY-Acts 20:31.

2:4. NEVERTHELESS I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST
LEFT (or forsaken) THY FIRST LOVE.

2:4.
Brings forth a warning.

NEVERTHELESS
I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINSTTHEE. Although there are many good things about this church, God
is still dissatisfied. The reason is,

BAD
THINGS1710-5A-4

1. BECAUSE THOU HAST LEFT THY
FIRST LOVE.

They had left Jesus.
Their relationship and attitude toward God was not right. Despite all
the hardships and hard work they were doing, they left their first love.
These had sound doctrine. Outwardly, they had the appearance of being
a zealous, loving, God-serving group of believers. But, inwardly, there
was a coldness. Perhaps, they had forgotten, WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST
LOVED US-1 Jn 4:19. It was to the elders of Ephesus that Paul said, Acts
20:29-31-FOR I KNOW THIS, THAT AFTER MY DEPARTING SHALL GRIEVOUS WOLVES
ENTER IN AMONG YOU, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK. ALSO OF YOUR OWN SELVES SHALL
MEN ARISE, SPEAKING PERVERSE THINGS, TO DRAW AWAY DISCIPLES AFTER THEM.
THEREFORE WATCH, AND REMEMBER, THAT BY THE SPACE OF THREE YEARS I CEASED
NOT TO WARN EVERY ONE NIGHT AND DAY WITH TEARS.

Five of the seven
churches are admonished for certain things they need to repent of.

2:5.
REMEMBER THEREFORE FROM WHENCE (or the height from which) THOU ART FALLEN,
AND REPENT (or turn from this sin), AND DO THE FIRST WORKS (or things
you did at first-NIV); OR ELSE I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL
REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK (or lampstand) OUT OF HIS PLACE, EXCEPT THOU REPENT.
Ref Rev 2:16; Mk 12:30; Phili 1:21; 3:10.

2:5.
The Lord begins by telling them what to do. He tells them,

REMEMBER THEREFOREFROM WHENCE (or the height
from which)

THOU ART FALLEN.
God is trying to cause them to remember where they were in the beginning,
Who their first love is supposed to be. They had drifted away from Jesus,
their first love, even though they were doing many works and even suffering
for His sake. Just because a person is serving God, does not mean he remembers
his first love as he ought. God not only wants us to serve Him, but He
also wants our heart. The greatest commandment is to LOVE THE LORD THY
GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND,
AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH-Mk 12:30. Our love for God should far exceed
our love for anything else, including father, mother, wife, children,
friends, or possessions. Let us remember, FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST-Phili
1:21, and THAT I MAY KNOW HIM-Phili 3:10. We should be serving God not
just because it is the right thing to do, but because of our overwhelming
love for Him. We need to remember Godís love for us and His everlasting
gift in light of eternity. As it is written, WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST
LOVED US-1 Jn 4:19. The decline, in Ephesus, came not in a lack of service
to God, but in their heartís devotion and love for Christ; this is where
the backsliding began.

The next thing
God tells them to do is

REPENT.
This is a difficult message to get across to those that have labored and
suffered for Jesus, but left their first love.

The third thing
God tells them to do is,

AND DO THE
FIRST WORKS. Remember
the first works; repent and return to the first works.

ADVICE
ON WHAT TO DO(Godís mercy and long-suffering before judgment)
1711-5A-4

1. REMEMBER2. REPENT3. DO
THE FIRST WORKS

Now God gives them
a warning. When Godís advice goes unheeded, there is a penalty. This penalty
for disobedience can be disaster. He had saidódo the first works

ORELSE. These two words bring
with them a warning. In other words, do it, "OR ELSE." Jesus
continuesóor else

I WILL.
The words here give a certainty of what will happen, if His advice is
not obeyed.

COME UNTO THEE
QUICKLY. How long is
Jesus giving them to repent? It may be said, "REPENT...QUICKLY,"
or else judgment will come. What is the judgment?

I...WILLREMOVE THY CANDLESTICK (or lampstand)

OUT OF HIS
PLACE. Some might say,
by removing the candlestick, it will eternally affect oneís position with
Jesus. Others might say, it will affect oneís eternal destiny. Close examination
of the Scriptures should reveal the second position is correct. The verse
ends with the words,

EXCEPT THOU REPENT.

WARNINGS1712-5A-4

1. I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY.

2. IÖWILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK
OUT OF HISPLACE.

2:6. BUT
THIS THOU HAST (or you have this in your favor-NIV), THAT THOU HATEST
THE DEEDS (or practices) OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH I ALSO HATE.

2:6.
The following is also covered in #10, under "Good Things" of
this church.

BUT THIS THOU
HAST (or you have this
in your favor-NIV),

THAT THOU HATEST
THE DEEDS (or practices)

OF THE NICOLAITANS,
WHICH IALSO HATE.
In verse 15, the word "doctrine" (or teaching) is used regarding
the Nicolaitans. Exactly who these Nicolaitans were is not clear. (See
Rev 2:15.)

2:7. HE
THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES;
TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE (the right) TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE,
WHICH IS IN THE MIDST OF THE PARADISE OF GOD-Rev 2:1-7. P, Rew.

2:7.
Begins with,

HE THAT HATH
AN EAR. The letter is addressed to the church, in general; however,
the message is directed to the individual, "HE" that
hath an ear. Not everyone has an "ear" (or a heart) to hear
Godís Word. These verses are not addressed to the unbeliever or the make-believe
Christian; they are directed to the believers, the church. Even some that
are believers can become hardened toward Godís Word and turn away. They
no longer have an ear to hear correction. They no longer have a discerning
heart to examine themselves by Godís Word to see their true position with
Him. They can no longer discern right and wrong by Godís Word. Therefore,
both collectively and individually, they are being told, "HE THAT
HATH AN EAR" (or a heart) to understand,

LET HIM HEAR.
The verse continues, "LET HIM HEAR"

WHAT THE SPIRIT
SAITHUNTO THE CHURCHES.
The Spirit of God is speaking. These same words are repeated in all seven
churches. Note the word "churches" is used at the end. It is
plural. While each church does cover events from a specific age, they
are also intended for all church ages to consider and learn from.

The next words,TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH (or wins the victory), are words
that carry with them a most important meaning. The word "him"
pertains to the individual. As followers of Jesus, we are to overcome
the world through faith. True Christians no longer follow the ways or
people of this world. They follow Jesus (the Word). In doing this, they
will go through many hardships. The world will think they are crazy. They
may even be killed for the sake of the Gospel. True Christians are to
be overcomers. Their faith in Jesus Christ enables them to overcome their
personal desires, fears, lusts, and other things of this world. They overcome
by faith; for they look FOR A CITY...WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD-Heb
11:10, even New Jerusalem.

BE NOT OVERCOME
OF EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD-Ro 12:21. FOR OF WHOM A MAN IS OVERCOME,
OF THE SAME IS HE BROUGHT IN BONDAGE. FOR IF AFTER THEY HAVE ESCAPED THE
POLLUTIONS OF THE WORLD THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS
CHRIST, THEY ARE AGAIN ENTANGLED THEREIN, AND OVERCOME, THE LATTER END
IS WORSE WITH THEM THAN THE BEGINNING. FOR IT HAD BEEN BETTER FOR THEM
NOT TO HAVE KNOWN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAN, AFTER THEY HAVE KNOWN
IT, TO TURN FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT DELIVERED UNTO THEM. BUT IT IS HAPPENED
UNTO THEM ACCORDING TO THE TRUE PROVERB, THE DOG IS TURNED TO HIS OWN
VOMIT AGAIN; AND THE SOW THAT WAS WASHED TO HER WALLOWING IN THE MIRE-2
Pe 2:19-22.

YE ARE OF GOD,
LITTLE CHILDREN, AND HAVE OVERCOME THEM: BECAUSE GREATER IS HE THAT IS
IN YOU, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD-1 Jn 4:4. HE THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL
INHERIT ALL THINGS; AND I WILL BE HIS GOD, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON-Rev
21:7. The Christian life is a life of surrender, yielding, and obedience
to Jesus, to Godís Word; as a little child surrenders, yields to, and
obeys his father. Through "HIM" we overcome. As it is written,
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME-Phili 4:13.

2:7.This verse continuesóto him that overcometh

WILL I GIVE
TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE,
WHICH IS INTHE MIDST OF THE PARADISE OF GOD. The word "paradise"
here signifies heaven. The "TREE OF LIFE" is first mentioned
in Gen 2:9 and again in Gen 3:22,24. Those that eat of it shall live forever.
It is also mentioned in Rev 22:2,14. Those that overcome, Jesus promises
them,

"WILL
I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE."

REWARD1713-5A-4

1. "I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE
OF LIFE."

THE
SECOND CHURCH: SMYRNA1714
to 1720-5A-4

THE
SECOND CHURCH: SMYRNA(Commentary)
1715-5A-4

The letter to the
Smyrna church is the shortest of the seven.

Smyrna means "myrrh,"
a perfume. It needs to be crushed to release its fragrance. It can also
mean bitterness, as myrrh was used for embalming the dead. When it was
brought to Jesus, it may have conveyed the meaning that Jesus was to die.
Smyrna was a suffering church, and many people were martyred. It is a
seaport on the western coast of Asia Minor. It is approximately 40 miles
north of Ephesus. From the time of John (about 90 A.D.) until about 312
A.D., Christians were continually persecuted. Here, the Christian martyr,
Polycarp (a bishop), was burned to death between 156 A.D.-170 A.D. Smyrna
was destroyed by an earthquake, about 178 A.D., but rebuilt. It was one
of the few Asian cities to withstand Turkish attacks and among the last
to fall to the Muslims. It is now the modern city of Izmir, one of Turkeyís
largest. The population is several hundred thousand.

During this period,
it was reported that the born-again Christians suffered great persecutions
at the hands of Rome.

The persecuted
and martyred church

The approximate
period represented is 160 A.D. to 313 A.D (the suffering, martyrdom
age)

Four descriptions
of Jesus

Four good things

No bad things

Four items
that would happen

Two items of
advice on what to do

Two rewards

2:8.
AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH THE
FIRST AND THE LAST, WHICH WAS DEAD, AND IS ALIVE.

2:8.
AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA WRITE. This is the same
type of introduction as the church of Ephesus, except, it was written
OF EPHESUS. Here, it is written, IN SMYRNA.

THESE THINGS
SAITH (or are the words
of). Next the subject turns to Jesus. The verse addresses Him as:

DESCRIPTIONS
OF JESUS1716-5A-4

1. THE FIRST
AND

2. THE LAST.
These same words appear in Rev 1:11. Jesus is before all things-ref Col
1:17. The verse continues,

3. WHICH WAS
DEAD,

4. AND IS ALIVE.
Jesus was crucified and died, but He rose from the dead. He is alive for
evermore. It is noteworthy that both the death of Jesus and His resurrection
are mentioned here, as this may be called the persecuted, suffering church;
death awaited some of them, also.

2:9.
I KNOW THY WORKS, AND TRIBULATION (or afflictions), AND POVERTY, (BUT
THOU ART RICH) AND I KNOW THE BLASPHEMY (or slander) OF THEM WHICH SAY
THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, BUT ARE THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN. Ref Rev 3:18;
Jn 8:33,37,39,44; Ro 2:28,29.

2:9.
This verse begins with a series of words that are repeated in each of
the churchesó

I KNOW THY
WORKS. This is addressed
to the church, in general, as well as the individual.

If number one is
included, four good things are listed regarding this church.

GOOD
THINGS1717-5A-4

1. I KNOW THY WORKS
(or deeds). They had works for God.

2. AND TRIBULATION
(or afflictions). This church was greatly persecuted. The word "tribulation,"
used here, carries with it the idea of crushing grapes to make the juice
come out.

3. AND POVERTY.
This was a poor church in the material sense. They may have suffered the
loss of all material possessions for the name of Jesus. They may have
been denied a means of earning a living, because they followed Jesus.

4. BUT THOU
ART RICH. Biblical wealth is not in terms of what you possess, but
rather in terms of faith and laying up treasures in heaven. In the eyes
of Jesus, this was a rich church. Undoubtedly, Satan had tried to compromise
their faith and doctrine from within, but, apparently, was unsuccessful;
they had no rebuke from the Lord.

As they were enduring
great sufferings, they knew that Jesus was aware of what they were going
through. This should have given them strength and comfort.

After Jesus gives
the good things about this church, He then changes the subject, somewhat,
as it is written,

AND I KNOW
THE BLASPHEMY OF THEM WHICH SAY THEY ARE JEWS, AND ARE NOT, BUT ARE THE
SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN. In
the Ephesian church, there were those who claimed to be apostles but were
not. Here are those that said they were Jews but were not. It may be said,
these Jews were claiming to be of the synagogue of God, but they were
really the synagogue of the devil. This indicates that the church in Smyrna
was undergoing further difficulties from the Jews in that community.

The unsaved Jews
said to Jesus, WE BE ABRAHAMíS SEED...ABRAHAM IS OUR FATHER-Jn 8:33,39.
Jesus told them, I KNOW THAT YE ARE ABRAHAMíS SEED; BUT...MY WORD HATH
NO PLACE IN YOU. IF YE WERE ABRAHAMíS CHILDREN, YE WOULD DO THE WORKS
OF ABRAHAM. YE ARE OF YOUR FATHER THE DEVIL-Jn 8:37,39,44. In other words,
if they were Abrahamís children, the words of Jesus would have a place
in their hearts, and they would do the works of Abraham. ABRAHAM BELIEVED
GOD, AND IT WAS IMPUTED (or accounted, or counted) UNTO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS-Ja
2:23; Gal 3:6; Ro 4:3. Abraham was saved by faith. Jesus is pointing out
two things here. There is a difference between being the seed of Abraham
and being a child of Abraham. They were Abrahamís seed, but they
were not Abrahamís children. To be transformed from Abrahamís seed
to being a child of Abraham, one needs to be born-again.

Thus, they said
they were Jews, but they lied. As it is written, FOR HE IS NOT A JEW,
WHICH IS ONE OUTWARDLY; NEITHER IS THAT CIRCUMCISION, WHICH IS OUTWARD
IN THE FLESH: BUT HE IS A JEW, WHICH IS ONE INWARDLY; AND CIRCUMCISION
IS THAT OF THE HEART, IN THE SPIRIT, AND NOT IN THE LETTER; WHOSE PRAISE
IS NOT OF MEN, BUT OF GOD-Ro 2:28,29.

These Jews blasphemed;
they were "THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN." They did not believe Jesus
was the Messiah; they rejected Him and despised the message of being JUSTIFIED
BY FAITH-Ro 3:28. This would indicate there may have been a synagogue
of unsaved Jews located there. Thus, we conclude their persecutions were
coming from heathen Gentiles, Satan himself, and unsaved religious Jews.
Often the worst persecutions come from the unsaved religious zealots.
The early church was known by its poverty and persecution. Todayís church,
especially in America, is known by its popularity and prosperity. Have
we forgotten the verseóJesus HATH NOT WHERE TO LAY HIS HEAD-ref Mt 8:20?

2:10.
FEAR NONE OF THOSE THINGS WHICH THOU SHALT SUF-FER: BEHOLD, THE DEVIL
SHALL CAST SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON, THAT YE MAY BE TRIED (or to test you);
AND YE SHALL HAVE TRIB-ULATION (or will suffer persecution) TEN DAYS:
BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE. Ref
Ja 1:12; Heb 5:8. P, Rew.

2:10.
FEAR NONE OF THOSE THINGS WHICH THOU SHALT SUFFER.
Again, we see a picture of a persecuted church. We see a church that went
through great suffering and persecution, but were told not to fear, even
though it is written, "THOU SHALT SUFFER." The Scripture says
that Jesus LEARNED...OBEDIENCE BY THE THINGS WHICH HE SUFFERED-Heb 5:8.

Then Jesus becomes
very specific.

THE DEVIL
SHALL CAST SOMEOF YOU INTOPRISON. Jn 8:41 says, YE DO THE DEEDS OF
YOUR FATHER. The devil, working through his children, shall cast them
into prison. Next the verse explains why they will be cast into prison,
as it is written,

THAT YE MAY
BE TRIED (or tested).
Our walk with Jesus is a walk of testing, to see if we will continue to
obey Himóno matter what the costóeven the cost of our life. Jesus suffered,
so we also are called to suffer; however, the end of it all is to be with
Jesus forever and ever. The verse continues,

YE SHALL HAVE
TRIBULATION (or afflictions)

TEN DAYS.
The Scripture is giving very exact events that were to happen to this
church. These things, and more, would take place at an ordained time.
Thus, we can say, while each church has a message for all times, each
church is also covering a specific time period. Of these followers of
Jesus that were to be cast into prison, Godís Word is telling them they
would have afflictions, or tribulations, or great sufferings for TEN DAYS.
Some believe the ten days represent ten of the Roman emperors that greatly
persecuted the Christians; others believe the ten days denote ten years.

The verse continues,

BE THOU FAITHFUL
UNTO DEATH. Despite the
horrible things that they would suffer for ten days, Jesus tells them,
"BE THOU FAITHFUL." Church history also records ten great persecutions
during this period. While the suffering now can sometimes be very intense,
yet faithfulness brings with it the reward of eternal life. The end of
this intense suffering for these people was to be death. "BE...FAITHFUL
UNTO DEATH." Jesus was the example of faithfulness unto death.

Many so-called
Christians, when faced with death, will renounce their faith in Jesus
in order to live. Yet in saving their life, now, they lose it for eternity.
Many will be faced with either having their head cut off, during the Tribulation,
or having their life spared by worshiping the image of the beast. Our
faith will be tested. Will your faith stand this test? Tribulation (or
suffering) WORKETH PATIENCE-Ro 5:3. Suffering demonstrates the reality
of a personís faith and commitment. Holding fast and remaining faithful
through all of this suffering is a sweet aroma or perfume unto God. Remember,
Smyrna means myrrh. It is written, FOR WE ARE UNTO GOD A SWEET SAVOR (or
aroma) OF CHRIST, IN THEM THAT ARE SAVED, AND IN THEM THAT PERISH-2 Cor
2:15.

The verse concludes
with a promise. "BE...FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH,"

AND I WILL
GIVETHEE A CROWN
OF LIFE. For those that are martyred, a crown of life is promised.

This is one of
only two churches where it is not recorded that they were given any rebuke.
Suffering seemed to help keep them pure in faith and trusting in Jesus.

2:11. HE
THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES;
HE THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH. Ref Rev 20:6,11,14;
21:8. P, Rew.

2:11.
HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.
(Note the commentary in part 1712-5A-4, under Rev 2:7, dealing with this
subject.)

The verse concludes
with an additional reward to those that meet one condition. That condition
is,

HE THAT OVERCOMETH.
(Note the commentary in part 1712-5A-4, about overcoming.) The reward
is,

SHALL NOT BE
HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH.
They might suffer death now, but no second death would occur. This could
also be a warning for the unrepentant, as they would experience both the
first death and the second. It is written, BLESSED AND HOLY IS HE THAT
HATH PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION: ON SUCH THE SECOND DEATH HATH NO
POWER-Rev 20:6.

One might ask,
"What is the second death?" It is written, AND I SAW A GREAT
WHITE THRONE, AND HIM THAT SAT ON IT, FROM WHOSE FACE THE EARTH AND THE
HEAVEN FLED AWAY; AND THERE WAS FOUND NO PLACE FOR THEM. AND DEATH AND
HELL WERE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH. AND WHOSOEVER
WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE-Rev
20:11,14,15. BUT THE FEARFUL (or cowardly), AND UNBELIEVING (or untrustworthy),
AND THE ABOMINABLE (or vile), AND MURDERERS, AND WHORE-MONGERS (or sexually
immoral), AND SORCERERS (or those who practice magic arts-NIV) AND IDOLATERS
(or idol worshippers), AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE
WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH-Rev 21:8.

REWARDS1720-5A-4

1. A
CROWN OF LIFE2. SHALL
NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH

THE
THIRD CHURCH: PERGAMOS1721
to 1729-5A-4

THE THIRD CHURCH: PERGAMOS(Commentary)
1722-5A-4

Pergamos (also
called Pergamum) means "elevation" or "marriage."
It may be said, "married to the world." This city was located
about 20 miles inland from the city of Smyrna and was of Mysia, in northwest
Asia Minor. It was the capital of the Roman province of Asia. It was noted
for its science and medicine and had magnificent statues of Zeus, Donysus
(Dionysius), and Athena. Pergamos was largely pagan and involved in idol
worship. Here was also found the temple of Aesculapius, which included
the wreathed serpent. Aesculapius was called the preserver and savior.
The city appears to have been a very difficult place to live a Christian
life. It had a huge library; paper was called "pergamena." About
312, Constantine became emperor of Rome; it is said he ended Christian
persecution. Later, he professed Christianity and began molding church
and state together. Pergamos became an important center for the state
religion of Christianity. It was attacked by the Arabs about 716-717,
lost its political power, and gradually fell into ruin. It is now a scene
of desolation. There is a small town, named Bergama, found where the city
once was.

A church of
compromise and tolerance that did not hate sin; a "twice-married"
churchótrying to be married to both Jesus and the world

The approximate
period represented is 313 A.D. to 606 A.D.

Two descriptions
of Jesus

Three good
things

Four items
of general information

Two bad things

One item of
advice on what to do

Two warnings

Three rewards

2:12.
AND TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH HE
WHICH HATH THE SHARP SWORD WITH TWO EDGES (or sharp, double-edged sword).
Ref Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16; 2:16.

2:12.
AND TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS WRITE; THESE THINGS
SAITH (or are the words of). Next the subject turns to Jesus. The
verse addresses Him as:

DESCRIPTIONS
OF JESUS1723-5A-4

1. HE WHICH
HATH THE SHARP SWORD

2. WITH TWO
EDGES. The Word of God is the sharp sword with two edges; as it is
written, THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY
TWO-EDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT,
AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS
OF THE HEART-Heb 4:12; OUT OF HIS MOUTH WENT A SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD-Rev
1:16; THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH-Rev 2:16. The Word of God, as
a two-edged sword, divides and discerns. It has the ability to separate
the Christians from the world and to judge and condemn the world for sin.
It is life, and it is death. It is significant that Jesus is described
as having the sharp sword with two edgesóthe Word, as this church had
compromised Godís Word.

2:13. I
KNOW THY WORKS, AND WHERE THOU DWELLEST (or where you live), EVEN WHERE
SATANíS SEAT (or throne) IS: AND THOU HOLDEST FAST MY NAME (or you remain
true to My name-NIV), AND HAST NOT DENIED MY FAITH (or you did not renounce
your faith in Me-NIV), EVEN IN THOSE DAYS WHEREIN ANTIPAS WAS MY FAITHFUL
MARTYR, WHO WAS SLAIN AMONG YOU (or in your city), WHERE SATAN DWELLETH
(or lives).

2:13.
This verse begins with a series of words that are repeated in each of
the churchesó

I KNOW THYWORKS. This is addressed to the church, in general, as well as
the individual. God knows the works of His people, things done both in
the open and in secret.

If number one is included, three
good things are listed regarding this church.

GOOD
THINGS1724-5A-4

1. I KNOW THY WORKS.
They had works for God.

2. AND THOU
HOLDEST FAST MY NAME (or you remain true to My name-NIV).

3. AND HAST
NOT DENIED MY FAITH (or you did not renounce your faith in Me-NIV).
These did not deny trusting in Jesus,

GENERAL
INFORMATION1725-5A-4

1. EVEN IN THOSE
DAYS WHEREIN ANTIPAS WAS MY FAITHFULMARTYR, WHOWAS SLAIN
AMONG YOU (or in your city). Again, there is a specific person mentioned,
who was slain, which also indicates a specific time period. People were
undergoing persecutions for the name of Jesus. Antipas stood for truth;
he would not compromise.

2. AND WHERE
THOU DWELLEST (or where you live).

3. EVEN WHERE
SATANíS SEAT IS (or his throne).

4. WHERE SATAN
DWELLETH (or lives). It is noted that, at this time, Satanís dwelling
place and throne were located at Pergamos. Yet Godís people, even though
they dwelled in the city where Satanís throne was, still did not bow to
the intense pressure that must have come upon them. They served God, remained
true to the name of Jesus, and did not renounce their faith in Him; therefore,
Satan changed his tactics.

2:14.
BUT I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST THERE THEM THAT
HOLD THE DOCTRINE (or teaching) OF BALAAM, WHO TAUGHT BALAK TO CAST A
STUMBLINGBLOCK BEFORE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL (or entice the Israelites
to sin-NIV), TO EAT THINGS SACRIFICED UNTO IDOLS, AND TO COMMIT FORNICATION
(or sexual immorality). Ref Num 31:16; 22:1-25:9.

2:14.
BUT I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST THEE,

BAD
THINGS1726-5A-4

1. BECAUSE THOU
HAST THERE THEM THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE(or teaching)

OF BALAAM.

The church is to
be made-up of born-again followers of Jesus Christ. It is not to include
those that hold false doctrines. It is not to include people that would
tempt the followers of Jesus to sin and to turn from God. First, Satan
tried persecutions and death. However, this only seemed to strengthen
the church. Then Satan began to change his tactics. He united the church
and state. He also began to infiltrate the church with things that allure
the flesh, such as sexual immorality. Organized religion was also initiated.
The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was gaining a foothold.

The doctrine
of Balaam was a message of compromise. (Note Num 22:1 to 25:9.)
Balaam was a prophet, but he was covetous. Balak, the king of Moab, wanted
Balaam to curse Israel. He made him a handsome offer. Balaam rejected
this offer, but afterward compromised when a larger offer came. Despite
being tempted three times, he did not pronounce a curse upon Israel. Nevertheless,
a plan emerged. That plan was to mingle the attractive Moabite women with
the men of Israelóit worked. The children of Israel also bowed down to
their gods. As a result, Godís wrath was kindled against Israel. Twenty-four
thousand died-ref Num 25:9.

As it is written,
"THE DOCTRINE (or teaching) OF BALAAM,"

WHO TAUGHT
BALAK TOCAST ASTUMBLINGBLOCK BEFORE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL (or entice the Israelites
to sin-NIV),

Regarding Balaam,
MOSES WAS ANGRY WITH THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY..."HAVE YOU ALLOWED
ALL THE WOMEN TO LIVE?" he asked them. "THEY WERE THE ONES WHO
FOLLOWED BALAAMíS ADVICE AND WERE THE MEANS OF TURNING THE ISRAELITES
AWAY FROM THE LORD IN WHAT HAPPENED AT PEOR...NOW KILL ALL THE BOYS. AND
KILL EVERY WOMAN WHO HAS SLEPT WITH A MAN-Num 31:14-17 NIV. The worldly
religions of deception try to pull the people of God away from their sound
doctrine and faith in Jesus. Apparently, Satan realized that if killing
them did not work, but their faith grew stronger, then he had to spoil
their sound doctrine by mixing it with other doctrines. Further, he brought
in things that entice the fleshly nature and organized religionócorrupting
the church from within.

2:15.
SO HAST THOU ALSO THEM THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE (or teaching) OF THE NICOLAITANS,
WHICH THING I HATE.

2:15.
Not only did they allow them that held the doctrine of Balaam in among
themselves, they also had those that held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

2. SO HAST THOU
ALSO THEM THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS, WHICH
THING I HATE.

Little is known
of the Nicolaitans. This Greek word, when broken down, seems
to mean "having an upper hand" or "to dominate" and
also a part may signify "people." Therefore, this could signify
a priestly class of people dominating the children of God, making them
obey rules that are not in Godís Word. It can also carry the meaning of
some form of organized structure or religion. The Nicolaitanís doctrine
was rejected by the Ephesian church and is hated by God.

The church of Ephesus
hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which God hated, also. Pergamos had
become so corrupted that they had those that held the doctrine of the
Nicolaitans among them.

It appears this
church no longer hated sin. They tolerated wrong doctrines and no longer
hated what Jesus hated. The church is supposed to be only followers of
Jesus Christ, yet this might be called a church of compromise and tolerance
that did not hate sin. The ways of the world, with its religious deception,
had become integrated into the church of Jesus Christ.

It has been suggested
that Satan greatly persecuted the Smyrna church, and many were martyred;
however, they were sound in doctrine. The blood of martyrs is the symbol
of the church. Satan could not make an inroad into the Smyrna church with
deception and doctrines of compromise.

Therefore, he changed
his tactics with the Pergamos church. Persecutions were eased; as a result,
false doctrines, compromise, tolerance, deception, and a lack of hating
sin began to enter the church and flourish. The church became corrupt.
Satan appears to have accomplished more with deception, than he ever did
with persecution and martyrdom. Multitudes were baptized, but very few
of them were ever born-again. To be a "so-called" Christian
was a popular thing. Combining the world with the church, will destroy
the church. Perhaps they forgot, YE ADULTERERS AND ADULTERESSES, KNOW
YE NOT THAT THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD?-Ja 4:4.

Some may claim
that the fourth century marriage of Christianity with the state was a
triumph. What a deception! It was really a defeat for Christianity; the
things that happened corrupted the church of Jesus Christ.

Satan knows how
to effectively use both persecutions and deception. Certainly, one message
to this church is a warning against compromise.

2:16.
REPENT; OR ELSE I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL FIGHT AGAINST
THEM WITH THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH. Ref Rev 1:16; 2:5,12; Heb 4:12.

2:16.
It begins by telling this Christian church what to do.

ADVICE
ON WHAT TO DO(Godís mercy and long-suffering before judgment)1727-5A-4

1. REPENT; OR
ELSE. Again, we see a very sharp and direct warningódo it or else.
Godís warnings are not to be taken lightly. Repent of false doctrines,
repent of compromise.

WARNINGS1728-5A-4

1. OR ELSE I
WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY. How long is Jesus giving them to repent?
The answer is a very short time. How fast will His judgment come? The
answer is quickly.

2. AND WILL
FIGHT AGAINST THEM WITH THE SWORD OFMY MOUTH. Jesus is warning
them to repent, quickly, or else He will come and fight against them with
His Word. What Jesus speaks will come to pass. Who can stand against God?
Note, Jesus says that He will FIGHT.

2:17. HE
THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES;
TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA, AND WILL
GIVE HIM A WHITE STONE, AND IN THE STONE A NEW NAME WRITTEN, WHICH NO
MAN KNOWETH SAVING HE THAT RECEIVETH IT. P, Rew.

2:17.
HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.
(Note the commentary on these words under Rev 2:7.) When religious deception
enters in, many no longer have an ear or a heart to recognize Godís truth.

TO HIM THAT
OVERCOMETH. To him that
overcomes all of Satanís devices, these promises are given.

REWARDS1729-5A-4

1. WILL I GIVE
TO EAT OF THE HIDDEN MANNA. We might say, being nourished by Jesus,
the Bread from heaven, the Bread of life.

2. AND WILL
GIVE HIM A WHITE STONE.

3. AND IN THE
STONE A NEW NAME WRITTEN, WHICH NO MAN KNOWETHSAVING HE THAT RECEIVETH
IT. The meanings of the stone and new name are not clear. Perhaps
it shows the Lordís approval.

THE
FOURTH CHURCH: THYATIRA1730
to 1740-5A-4

THE
FOURTH CHURCH: THYATIRA(Commentary)
1731-5A-4

Thyatira means
"sacrifice of labor" or "continual sacrifice." It
was a church of compromise that embraced apostasy and tolerated wicked
teaching. The name may also denote the false doctrine of "continual
sacrifice," as some taught and also teach today, rather than the
finished work of Jesus. Neither did it hate sin.

Thyatira is a smaller
city, located between Pergamos and Sardis, approximately 40 miles southeast
of Pergamum, in Lydia of Asia Minor. It became a military outpost that
had to be reinforced, because it was located in a valley between sloping
hills. It manufactured purple dye. Trade guilds promoted idolatry and
excessive drinking. Arabs and Turks repeatedly attacked it, but each time
it was rebuilt. It is now a Turkish town of about 50,000, called Akhisar.
Twelve verses of Scripture are devoted to this church, the longest of
any of the seven churches.

Lydia was from
the city of Thyatira and was a seller of purple. She was converted through
Paulís ministry-ref Acts 16:14.

Some of these same
perverse doctrines that came forth from this age still exist in many churches
today. (Note point five under "Bad Things.")

Continual sacrifice

The approximate
period represented is 606 A.D. to 1517 A.D.óby far, the longest of
any of the seven churches

Three descriptions
of Jesus

Six good things

Five bad things

Three items
of advice on what to do

Four warnings

Two items of
general information and items that shall happen

Three rewards

An additional
two items of information

2:18. AND
UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH (or
are the words of) THE SON OF GOD, WHO HATH HIS EYES LIKE UNTO A FLAME
(or blazing) OF FIRE, AND HIS (or whose) FEET
ARE LIKE FINE BRASS (or burnished bronze). H.

2:18.
AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH
(or are the words of). Next the subject turns to Jesus. The verse addresses
Him as:

DESCRIPTIONS
OF JESUS1732-5A-4

1. THE SON OF
GOD.This is #17, regarding "Jesus is" in the Revelation.

2. WHO HATH
HIS EYES LIKE UNTO A FLAME (or blazing) OF
FIRE

3. AND HIS FEET
ARE LIKE FINE BRASS (or burnished bronze).

The descriptions
of Jesus to this church are twofold. First, they are being reminded that
Jesus is the Son of God. They are being reminded of His deity and that
"HE" alone is the Head of the church. Others often refer to
Jesus as the Son of a virgin or the Son of Mary. This church, however,
began to place Mary on the same level as the Son of God or as a mediator
between man and Jesus.

HIS EYES LIKE
UNTO A FLAME OF FIRE.
Next the church is given a picture of the glorified Jesus, Who shall return.
It is a picture of His brilliance and the forthcoming judgment. One might
consider this was done to remind them that they were to watch and be ready
for the return of Jesus Christ. When Jesus was upon the earth, His eyes
at times had tears. But now, His eyes appear to be set upon judgment,
as evil had corrupted the church. Perhaps, they needed to be reminded
to fear God. Some were not ready, as they were allowing ungodly doctrines.

HIS FEET ARE
LIKE FINE BRASS. Jesus
had walked long distances with these feet to bring forth Godís Word. His
feet had been bathed with tears of repentance and dried with a womanís
hair. They had been piercedónailed to the cross. But now, these feet are
like fine brass; they will bring judgment. One day, they shall touch down
upon the Mount of Olives. They will tread out the winepress at Armageddon.
They will crush the serpent, and all of His enemies will become His footstool.

2:19. I
KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds), AND CHARITY (or love), AND SERVICE, AND FAITH,
AND THY PATIENCE (or perseverance), AND THY WORKS; AND THE LAST TO BE
MORE THAN THE FIRST (or you are now doing more than you did at first-NIV).

2:19.
Begins with a series of words that are repeated in each of the churchesó

I KNOW THYWORKS. This is addressed
to the church, in general, as well as the individual. God knows the works
of His people, things done both in the open and in secret.

If number one is
included, six good things are listed regarding the church.

GOOD
THINGS1733-5A-4

1. I KNOW THY WORKS
(or deeds). They had works for God.

2. AND CHARITY
(or love). Note the word charity (or love) is used here. It was not used
in the first three churches, except to denote that church one (Ephesus)
had left their first love.

3. AND
SERVICE

4. AND
FAITH

5. AND THY PATIENCE
(or perseverance)

6. AND THY WORKS;
AND THE LAST TO BE MORETHAN THE FIRST (or you are now doing
more than you did at first-NIV). This church was doing more works as time
progressed, in contrast to the Ephesian church, which seemed to be doing
less.

As one looks at
these six items Jesus gives, it might be said that this was a very good
church as evidenced by its works, love, faith, patience, etc.

2:20.
NOTWITHSTANDING I HAVE A FEW THINGS (or this) AGAINST
THEE BECAUSE

BAD
THINGS1734-5A-4

1. THOU SUFFEREST
(or tolerate)

THAT WOMAN
JEZEBEL,WHICH
CALLETHHERSELF A PROPHETESS, TO TEACH. Jezebel would seem
to represent the Papacy. The name "Jezebel" has a twofold meaning.
One meaning is "a chaste one," and the other is a "dunghill."
She called herself a prophetess but was really a harlot and not called
of God. As a prophetess, she would be claiming infallibility as she brought
forth new doctrine. She was directing people to follow her teaching. She
claimed that she was a representative of God, a prophetess. This may have
been a forerunner of the unbiblical exaltation and worship of Mary.

3. AND TO EAT
THINGS SACRIFICED UNTO IDOLS. It was during this period that the false
doctrine of transubstantiation was introduced.

Perhaps, they forgot
that it was a woman that hid leaven in three measures of meal, till the
whole was leavened-ref Mt 13:33. The leaven grew, multiplied, and corrupted
the whole thing.

The church was
being led astray by her wicked, adulterous teaching. The true church of
Jesus Christ consists of born-again Christians. We are reminded of the
scripture, IF THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND, BOTH SHALL FALL INTO THE DITCH-Mt
15:14. No unsaved person should teach the children of God. Yet this church
allowed a false prophetess to teach and mislead or seduce Godís children
to commit wickedness or spiritual fornication, as well as to partake of
idolatrous teaching.

While they served
God and had love, faith, and patienceóthey lacked understanding of good
and evil, right and wrong, the clean and the unclean. They seemed unable
to discern this false prophetess and her fruits. They did not hate every
evil way.

The church in Pergamos
tolerated false doctrines and so did this church. Both churches winked
at sin; they were allowing those things that Jesus hated.

We may be reminded
of 2 Ki 9:22, Joram asked Jehu, IS IT PEACE?ÖAND HE ANSWERED, WHAT PEACE,
SO LONG AS THE WHOREDOMS OF THY MOTHER JEZEBEL AND HER WITCHCRAFTS
ARE SO MANY? The Jezebel of the Old Testament was the wife of Ahab. As
a result of her, Ahab promoted the worship of Baal in Israel-ref 1 Ki
16:29-33.

4. Some had known
this doctrine-ref Rev 2:24.

5. Some had known
the depths of Satan-ref Rev 2:24.

During this period,
images and pictures were worshiped, dead sinners were immortalized as
special saints, the unbiblical doctrine of purgatory was decreed, the
Bible was forbidden to laymen, and tradition was granted equal authority
with the Bible. The churchís traditions and decrees actually supplanted
Godís Word and made it of no effect. The church, through its decrees,
undermined Godís Word and basically said, "God has not said."
Multiple millions believed that Satanís church was the true church as
they do even today.

ADVICE
ON WHAT TO DO(Godís
mercy and long-suffering before judgment)1735-5A-4

2:21.
AND I GAVE HER SPACE (or time) TO REPENT OF HER FORNI-CATION (or immorality);
AND SHE REPENTED NOT (or she is unwilling) (or she does not want to repent
of her immorality-NASB)

2:21.
AND I GAVE HER SPACE (or time)

1. TO REPENT
OF HER FORNICATION (or immorality, or immoral spiritual teaching and
deeds);

AND SHE REPENTED
NOT (or she is unwilling)
(or she does not want to repent of her immorality-NASB).
Here is an example of Godís great mercy. Jezebel, a false prophetess,
was seducing Godís servants. Yet Jesus, in His long-suffering and mercy,
gave her time to repent, but she repented not. Rome does not repent.

2. REPENT OF
THEIR DEEDS (or ways)-ref Rev 2:22.

.2:25. BUT
THAT WHICH YE HAVE ALREADY HOLD FAST TILL I COME. Rap, A.

2:25.

3. BUT THAT
WHICH YE HAVE ALREADY HOLD FASTTILL I COME. This is for those
in the church that had not followed the wicked teaching of Jezebel and
had not known the depths of Satan. This godly remnant were advised to
HOLD FAST to what they had. Here is the first mention of the return of
Jesus in the seven churches, "HOLD FAST TILL I COME." In the
churches to follow, two of them make similar references.

Although this message
was intended for the period of approximately 606-1517 A.D., it might be
well for us to consider how the bad things from this age may apply to
us today. There are two striking similarities: one, she was not willing
to repent of her immoral teaching, and two, the coming of the Lord is
mentioned. Some believe this indicates that the wicked, spiritual teaching
of Jezebel would continue on past the Middle Ages. In a sense, we might
couple the first three churches together and the last four together. The
last four all begin to point toward things yet to come. The apostolic
times are passed. The persecution by the Roman emperors has passed; however,
the spiritual fornication of Jezebel continues until this day.

2:22.
BEHOLD, I WILL CAST HER INTO A BED (of suffering), AND THEM THAT COMMIT
ADULTERY WITH HER INTO GREAT TRIBULATION (or suffer intensely), EXCEPT
THEY REPENT OF THEIR DEEDS (or ways). P, Rap, T.

2:22.BEHOLD,

WARNINGS1736-5A-4

1. I WILL CAST
HER INTO A BED (of suffering)

2. AND THEM
THAT COMMIT ADULTERY WITH HERINTO GREAT TRIBULATION (or suffer
intensely),

EXCEPT THEY
REPENT. (Note #2 under
"Advice.") Note the word, "them." God was about to
purge those in the church that had turned from sound doctrine to this
ungodly false teaching. The words, "great tribulation" also
appear in Mt 24:21; Rev 2:22; 7:14.

2:23.
AND I WILL KILL (or strike) HER CHILDREN WITH DEATH (or pestilence); AND
ALL THE CHURCHES SHALL KNOW THAT I AM HE WHICH SEARCHETH THE REIGNS (or
minds) AND HEARTS: AND I WILL GIVE (or repay) UNTO EVERY ONE OF YOU ACCORDING
TO YOUR WORKS (or deeds).

2:23.

3. AND I WILL
KILL (or strike)

HER CHILDREN
WITH DEATH (or pestilence).
The children or followers of Jezebel were being warned of impending judgment.
Great suffering and death was about to come upon them. These are most
severe warnings to those who partake of this teaching of spiritual fornication
and idolatry.

4. AND I WILL
GIVE (or repay)

UNTO EVERY
ONE OF YOU ACCORDING TO YOURWORKS (or deeds).

GENERAL
INFORMATION1737-5A-4

1. AND ALL THE
CHURCHES SHALL KNOW THAT I AM HE WHICH SEARCHETH THE REIGNS (or minds)

2. AND HEARTS.
Jesus is the One that searches the reins and hearts, not another. The
judgment upon those that had departed from sound doctrine was to be so
great that all the churches would know.

2:24.
BUT UNTO YOU I SAY, AND UNTO THE REST IN THYATIRA, AS MANY AS HAVE NOT
THIS DOCTRINE (or do not hold to her teaching-NIV), AND WHICH HAVE NOT
KNOWN THE DEPTHS OF SATAN (or have not learned Satanís so-called deep
secrets-NIV), AS THEY SPEAK; I WILL PUT UPON YOU NONE OTHER BURDEN (or
I will not impose any other burden on you-NIV).

2:24.
BUT UNTO YOU I SAY, AND UNTO THE REST IN THYATIRA,

REWARDS
AND PROMISES1738-5A-4

1. (Group one)-AS
MANY AS HAVE NOT THIS DOCTRINE (or do not hold to her teaching-NIV),

(Group two)-AND
WHICH HAVE NOT KNOWN THE DEPTHS OF SATAN (or have not learned Satanís
so-called deep secrets-NIV),

AS THEY SPEAK;
I WILL PUT UPON YOUNONEOTHER BURDEN (or I will not impose any other burden
on you-NIV). The Lord was about to "clean house." But those
that had not known this wicked doctrine or the depths of Satan would be
sparedóno other burdens would be placed upon them.

2:26.
AND HE THAT OVER-COMETH, AND KEEPETH MY WORKS (or does My will) UNTO THE
END, TO HIM WILL I GIVE POWER (or authority) OVER THE NATIONS. Rew, M,
JHM.

2:26.
AND HE THAT OVERCOMETH. (Note the commentary on overcoming, under
Rev 2:7.) The verse continues,

AND KEEPETH
MY WORKS (or does My
will)

UNTO THE END.
This is the first reference in the churches that adds something to overcomingókeeping
My works unto the end. The verse continues,

TO HIM

2. WILL I GIVE
POWER (or authority)

OVER THE NATIONS.
This is a clear reference to the Millennium, as the saints return with
Jesus at His second coming; they will reign and rule with Him for 1000
years. Jesus will give them authority over the nations.

2:28.
AND I WILL GIVE HIM THE MORNING STAR. Ref Rev 22:16; 2 Pe 1:19. Rew.

2:28.

3. AND I WILL
GIVE HIM THE MORNINGSTAR. Jesus said, I AM...THE BRIGHT AND
MORNING STAR-Rev 22:16. The church is awaiting the blessed hopeóthe MORNING
STAR, Jesus.

ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION1739-5A-4

2:27.
AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD (or scepter) OF IRON; AS THE VESSELS
OF A POTTER SHALL THEY BE BROKEN TO SHIVERS (or He will dash them to pieces
like pottery-NIV): EVEN AS I RECEIVED (authority) OF MY FATHER. Ref Ps
2:9. M.

2:27.

1. AND HE
(Jesus)

SHALL RULE
THEMWITH A ROD
(or scepter)

OF IRON.
This is referring to the Millennium, when Jesus shall reign as King of
kings and Lord of lords. Jesus shall rule the nations with absolute authority.

2. AS THE VESSELS
OF A POTTER SHALL THEY BE BROKEN TO SHIVERS (or He will dash them
to pieces like pottery-NIV):

EVEN AS I RECEIVED (authority)

OF MY FATHER.
Jesus returns after the Tribulation of those days. The earth is in rebellion
against God. They shall be broken to pieces. The authority to do
these things comes from His Father in heaven.

2:29.
HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.

2:29.
HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.
(Note the commentary on Rev 2:7.) In the previous three churches, the
rewards followed this exhortation. Here, "he that hath an ear"
ends the message to this church.

Some compare the
teaching of Jezebel to the unscriptural exaltation of Mary.
Also included, is the false doctrine of "the continual sacrifice,"
which is added to the finished work of Christ, by teaching a doctrine
of works one must do. This supplants, nullifies, or makes of none effect
the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Consider, it is
significant that the second coming of Jesus is mentioned; also a reference
to dashing them (the nations) to pieces. Further, a description of Jesus
during the Millennium as well as His reign with the saints is also mentioned.

The woman, Jezebel,
is first mentioned in 1 Ki 16:31. It continues in 1 Ki 18 to 21 and also
in 2 Ki 9, etc. She was responsible for idolatry in Israel and also persecuted
Godís people.

FOR
CONSIDERATION1740-5A-4

What would be the
result, if one mixed the teachings of Jezebel with the Babylonian Mysteries
and sprinkled in some of the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans
with Christianity?

THE
FIFTH CHURCH: SARDIS1741
to 1748-5A-4

THE
FIFTH CHURCH: SARDIS(Commentary)
1742-5A-4

Sardis means
"prince of joy," or "remnant," or "those
escaping," or "those who come out." The capital of
Lydia was a proud, wealthy city. Sardis was located on the east bank
of the Pactolus River, about 50 miles east of Smyrna and about 30
miles south of Thyatira. Jewelry, dye, and textiles abounded there.
It was a magnificent city. The temple of Artemis was there. It was
destroyed by an earthquake in the first or second century A.D., but
was rebuilt with money from the Roman Empire. Slowly, it lost its
affluence. It was located on high ground, surrounded by cliffs. As
a result, they could relax and be confident that an invasion force
would have a difficult time reaching them. Nevertheless, it was attacked
by the Arabs about 716. Later, it was destroyed about 1403, as armies
did scale the cliffs; their destruction came suddenly. Today, a small
village remains, called Sart, among the ruins of Sardis.

With four bad
things and six items of advice, this dead church was the second worst
of the seven. This Protestant church sprang out of the Reformation.

The Bible had
been forbidden to laymen for centuries. It was during this period
that the printing press came forth. The first book to be printed with
movable type was the Gutenberg Bible.

Through the
Reformation, religious freedom emerged. With this, however, came denominations
and other doctrines, some biblical and some not. These new denominations
were popular, but spiritually dead. Some of these same spiritually
dead churches exist today. Many today view these denominationsóthat
have a name as if they are alive and wellóas good churches. Yet, in
Godís eyes, they are lifeless. They have certain intellectual insights,
but are spiritually shallow; they donít understand what they say.
Through the Reformation, they turned away from many rituals and idols,
but they did not turn to the blessed hope; they were not waiting for
the return of Jesus.

Regarding this
church and also many today, consider the following. A certain minister,
in the U.S., had a casket brought in front of the church and then
opened. He asked the congregation to come and look into the casket.
A mirror had been placed within, so the one looking into the casket
would see himself. They were in the church, but, spiritually, they
were dead. Just because a church teaches Scripture and uses the name
of Jesus, is no indication it is a repentant church that follows Jesus
and brings forth good fruits.

The church
of the Reformation (the apostate church, the dead church)

The approximate
period represented is 1517 to 1750 A.D.

Two descriptions
of Jesus

Five "marginally"
good things (some might say no good things)

Four bad things

Six items of
advice on what to do

Two warnings

Five rewards

3:1. AND
UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN SARDIS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH HE THAT
HATH (or holds) THE SEVEN SPIRITS (or sevenfold Spirit-JNT120)
OF GOD, AND THE SEVEN STARS; I KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds), THAT THOU HAST
A NAME THAT THOU LIVEST (or you have a reputation of being alive-NIV),
AND ART DEAD (or you are dead). Ref Rev 1:4,20.

3:1.It begins, saying, AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN SARDIS WRITE;
THESE THINGS SAITH (or are the words of). Next the subject turns
to Jesus. The verse addresses Him as:

2. AND THE SEVEN
STARS. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches-ref Rev
1:20.

The verse continues
with a series of words that are repeated in each of the seven churchesó

IKNOW THY WORKS. This is
addressed to the church, in general, as well as the individual. God knows
the works of His people, things done both in the open and in secret.

If number one is
included, five "marginally" good things are listed regarding
this church.

GOOD
THINGS1744-5A-4

1. I KNOW THY WORKS

2. THAT
THOU HAST A NAME

3. THAT THOU
LIVEST (or you have a reputation of being alive-NIV).

4. THE THINGS WHICH
REMAIN-Rev 3:2. They had some good things that remained but were ready
to die.

3:4.
THOU HAST A FEW NAMES (or a few people) EVEN IN SARDIS WHICH HAVE NOT
DEFILED (or soiled) THEIR GARMENTS (or clothes); AND THEY SHALL WALK WITH
ME (dressed) IN WHITE: FOR THEY ARE WORTHY.

(This verse is
also listed again further on.)

(Rev 3:1, listed previously)

3:4.

5. THOU HAST
A "FEW" NAMES (or a few people) EVEN IN SARDIS WHICH
HAVE NOTDEFILED (or soiled)

THEIR GARMENTS (or clothes).

There were just
a few in Sardis that were holding on and had not gone astray.

The good things
in this church are, at best, marginally good. It can almost be said that
there are no good things.

The church at Sardis
had a name that indicated life, but it was a dead church. However, most
apparently thought it was a live, vibrant church, perhaps even a great
church. They were blinded to what their true condition really was. It
had only a few things that remained; these also were ready to disappear.
Yet even in this dead, lifeless church, there were a few people that remained
faithful and had not corrupted themselves.

Of the seven churches,
this is the worst, except for the church of the Laodiceans.

BAD
THINGS1745-5A-4

3:1. AND
UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN SARDIS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH HE THAT
HATH (or holds) THE SEVEN SPIRITS (or sevenfold Spirit-JNT120)
OF GOD, AND THE SEVEN STARS; I KNOW THY WORKS (or deeds), THAT THOU HAST
A NAME THAT THOU LIVEST (or you have a reputation of being alive-NIV),
AND ART DEAD (or you are dead). Ref Rev 1:4,20.

3:1.

1. AND ART DEAD
(or you are dead). On the outside, this looked like a church that followed
Jesus Christ. It considered itself as being alive, but on the inside it
was dead.

2. THINGS WHICH
REMAIN, THAT ARE READY TO DIE-Rev 3:2. There were a few things in this
church that were not yet dead, but were close to being dead. This appears
to be a church wherein all sound doctrine had disappeared; the bit of
sound doctrine that remained was about to also disappear. They had become
deceived and had defiled themselves with sin.

3:2.

3. I HAVE NOT
FOUND THY WORKS PERFECT (or complete)

BEFORE GOD.
The works of this dead church were not perfect or complete. Their doctrine
and works were not as they ought to have been.

4. Nearly everyone
in Sardis had defiled their garments-ref Rev 3:4. Nearly everyone in this
church had turned from sound doctrine and good, complete works.

ADVICE
ON WHAT TO DO(Godís
mercy and long-suffering before judgment)
1746-5A-4

3:2. BE
WATCHFUL (wake up), AND STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN, THAT ARE READY
TO DIE: FOR I HAVE NOT FOUND THY WORKS PERFECT (or complete) BEFORE GOD
(or in the sight of My God-NIV).

3:2.

1. BE WATCHFUL
(wake up). This church was being admonished to wake up to their pitiful
condition. Before a person can strengthen things and repent, he needs
to recognize and understand his wretched condition.

2. AND STRENGTHEN
THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN, THAT ARE READY TO DIE. The few things that
this church still had, which were about to die, Jesus is admonishing to
strengthen them. Wake up, and donít let them die.

3:3. REMEMBER
THEREFORE HOW THOU HAST RECEIVED (or what you have received) AND HEARD,
AND HOLD FAST (or obey it), AND REPENT. IF THEREFORE THOU SHALT NOT WATCH
(or wake up), I WILL COME ON THEE AS (or like) A THIEF, AND THOU SHALT
NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR (or what time) I WILL COME UPON THEE. 1 Thes 5:4. P,
Rap.

(Rev 3:4, listed previously)

3:3.

3. REMEMBER
THEREFORE HOW THOU HAST RECEIVED (or what you have received). The
church is being told to remember what they once received. Remember Jesus.

4. REMEMBERÖ(what
you have)ÖHEARD. The church is being told to remember the things
they once heard. Remember sound doctrine. This blind and dead church that
thought it was really alive is told to remember, to consider, to wake
up.

5. HOLD FAST
(or obey) what you have received and heard.

6. REPENT.

Note the progression:
wake up, strengthen what remains, remember what you received, remember
what you have heard, hold fast, and repent.

WARNINGS1747-5A-4

IF THEREFORE
THOU SHALTNOT WATCH
(or wake up),

1. I WILL COME
ON THEE AS A THIEF,

2. AND THOU
SHALT NOT KNOW WHAT HOUR I WILL COME UPONTHEE.

In each of the
last four churches (# 4,5,6,7), there are obvious, or not so obvious,
references to the return of Jesus Christ. In these admonitions,
the church is being warned what the consequences of not watching,
or not waking up, would be. If the church would wake up,
it should repent. But if it did not, the resulting judgment would beóJesus
would come on them as a thief. The thief comes to destroy. The next judgment
would beóthey would not know when the thief would come. Thus, they would
be unprepared and perish. They needed to wake up, look, and strengthen.
They needed to remember, hold fast, and repent, or it would be too late.
This message is to all of Godís people that have become spiritually dead
and have forgotten what they received and heard. To them, Jesus will come
as a thief, and they will not know or understand when He will come upon
them. Jesus does not come as a thief to the born-again believers that
are watching and ready.

Verse 3 does not
state Jesus will come, but Jesus will come "upon thee." However,
the words "coming as a thief" and "not knowing what hour"
are often used in connection with the coming or return of Jesus Christ,
specifically to those that are not watching or ready.

REWARDS1748-5A-4

3:4. THOU
HAST A FEW NAMES (or you have a few people-NIV) EVEN IN SARDIS WHICH HAVE
NOT DEFILED (or soiled) THEIR GARMENTS (or clothes); AND THEY SHALL WALK
WITH ME (dressed) IN WHITE: FOR THEY ARE WORTHY. P, Rew, Res.

3:4.

1. THEY
SHALL WALK WITH ME

2. (Dressed) IN
WHITE: FOR THEY ARE WORTHY.

3:5. HE
THAT OVERCOMETH, THE SAME (or like them) SHALL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT
(or dressed in white); AND I WILL NOT BLOT OUT (or erase) HIS NAME OUT
OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, BUT I WILL CONFESS (or acknowledge) HIS NAME BEFORE
MY FATHER, AND BEFORE HIS ANGELS. Ref Rev 7:14.

3:5.
HE THAT OVERCOMETH (Note the commentary on overcoming, under Rev
2:7.) The verse continues,

3. THE SAME
SHALL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT (or dressed in white). White denotes
the righteousness of God.

THESE...HAVE WASHED
THEIR ROBES, AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB-Rev 7:14.

4. AND I WILL
NOT BLOT OUT (or erase) HIS NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE.

5. BUT I WILL
CONFESS (or acknowledge) HIS NAME BEFORE MY FATHER.

6. I WILL CONFESS
(or acknowledge) HIS NAME BEFORE...HIS ANGELS.

This spiritually
dead church seems to have had only a few walking with Jesus that reaped
the rewards of eternity.

Note the reverse
meaning of this scripture: He that does not overcome, shall not be clothed
in white raiment, and will be blotted out of the book of life, and will
not have his name confessed before the Father and His angels.

Many of todayís
churches, in America, are large and beautiful, but on the inside
they are spiritually dead. They are filled with many new doctrines and
ideas, but sacrifice, submission, obedience, godliness, holiness, and
true repentance are left out.

3:6. HE
THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.

3:6.
HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THECHURCHES. (Note the commentary on Rev 2:7.) In the first three
churches, the rewards followed this exhortation. In the fourth and fifth
churches, "he that hath an ear" concludes the message.